Exercise and Energy Levels

When I did this challenge last year, I did not exercise. I actually stopped working out altogether for the month of February. This year, I have aimed to maintain my exercise routine (doing p90x, ukrainian dancing and playing volleyball)

Up until this past weekend, I was dong alright. My energy levels were fairly high and I was able to maintain my workouts. I also was able to maintain the intensity of each workout, without feeling sore afterwards. This week things took a different turn.

During my regular Monday workout I was doing well until I took a small break in the halfway point. I found it hard to push myself through the remainder and once I finished (2 exercises early) I felt extremely sick. I layed on the bathroom floor for 30 minutes and felt so weak. The following day I was extremely sore. Not just normal soreness, but almost pain. This is not something I have ever felt before. But I can contribute it to the diet and the exhaustion that comes with it.

I guess when doing something like this you cannot push you body to the extreme in multiple ways. I am eating a lot less than I normally would, but pushing my body harder at the same time. It is hard to give up the exercise, but I just don't know if I have the energy to do it.

What I have eaten today:

breakfast: 2 servings oatmeal, glass of milk, and 1 whole wheat bun with 1 serving peanut butter

No such thing as a free ride

Nearly every day someone tries to push free food on us. They seem a bit disappointed, a bit disgusted when we refuse to eat a free pasta, sandwiches, morning donuts and the likes. Low income earners wouldn’t turn down a free meal, they remind us. I don’t argue because that’s not my point.

We are trying to make this a real challenge. We want to experience the physical and mental anguish that those less fortunate face on a daily basis. Sure they may be offered a free meal from time to time, but I’m certain there are longer stretches when they aren’t offered any free meals. We want to experience those frequent, longer periods when our $80 is all you have for the month.

Those same co-workers who persuade us to eat free food also fail to realize that employers who pay their workers minimum wage aren’t likely to provide lunches for their co-workers. There’s a reason why they pay their workers low wages. They can’t afford to pay them more, let alone shell out lunch and donuts. I’ve worked for a small companies and larger companies. Most of my friends work for large corporations. When meetings are scheduled over lunch, lunch is often provided. When your boss wants to show his appreciation for a job well done, lunch is provided. It you’re working for $6 an hour, I highly doubt your boss is going to take you out for lunch to thank you for working overtime that week.

1:50 p.m. It's Family Day today, so I work up rather late and haven't eaten anything yet.
Breakfast: nothing
Lunch: nothing
Dinner: 2 cups of rice and three small beef meatballs.
1 cup of milk, 1 orange